Time for government, teachers to find a solution

Oshawa This Week

To the editor:

Re: Time for parents, students to stand up to teacher unions, editorial, durhamregion.com, Dec. 7, 2012.

Your editorial is bang on. I am extremely disappointed with the current teacher/union situation and how it affects us all. I blame it for the most part on government, which over that past few years has "given in to demands" of the teachers' unions which appears to have been to garner votes. I also blame the teachers' unions for their despicable attack on taxpayers.

I have known many teachers who simply love to teach and enjoy their students' growth and success while giving their very best.

Others gripe about their jobs and despise the government. I have asked many who seem so unhappy, 'why not quit your job and find something else that makes you happy'. The response I get is -- I would lose my pension and my sick days.

Let the current dispute be between the teachers' union and the government to work out the best they can, remembering that the public simply cannot pay more taxes to support the teachers' demands. Many folk work more than one job and some at low wages and their taxes support teachers. Some of these folks got post-secondary education to better their chances of a good job, only to discover there were no jobs available.

The withdrawal of extracurricular activities is disgusting and in particular the parent-teacher meetings, Christmas concerts, day trips and help after school. Students have been left in tears as they love their teachers and really don't understand what is happening. May I ask the teachers how this affects their students in the areas of respect, responsibility and love of learning?

If you are not happy being a teacher, then quit or vote for another government at election time. Do not hold the public to ransom. They work hard to support your salaries.